Project Details
Project
AIB Green Bond Framework Second-Party Opinion (2024)
Client
AIB Group PLC
Project Type
Eligibility Guide; EU Taxonomy Assessment;
Industry Group
Banks
Use of Proceeds
Green buildings; Renewable energy; Clean transport; Circular economy adapted products, production technologies and processes;
Location
Ireland
Evaluation Date
Sep 2024
Evaluation Summary
Sustainalytics is of the opinion that the AIB Green Bond Framework is credible and impactful and aligned with the four core components of the Green Bond Principles 2021. This assessment is based on the following:
USE OF PROCEEDS
The eligible categories for the use of proceeds – Green Buildings, Renewable Energy, Clean Transportation, and Circular Economy and Waste Management – are aligned with those recognized by the Green Bond Principles 2021. Sustainalytics considers that the provision of financing in the eligible categories will lead to positive environmental impacts and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDGs 7, 9, 11 and 12.
PROJECT EVALUATION AND SELECTION
AIB’s ESG Bond Working Group will be responsible for overseeing the process of evaluating and selecting eligible green loans according to the criteria set in the Framework. AIB utilizes internal environmental and social risk management processes to address environmental and social impacts associated with all projects financed. Sustainalytics considers the project selection process to be in line with market practice.
MANAGEMENT OF PROCEEDS
AIB’s Treasury will oversee the management and allocation of proceeds using a portfolio approach and allocate the proceeds from the green bonds to the Eligible Green Loan Portfolio. Proceeds will be tracked using an internal tracking system. Pending allocation, AIB will hold proceeds or invest in its treasury liquidity portfolio in cash or other short term and liquid instruments. AIB intends to allocate the proceeds within 24 months of issuance. Sustainalytics considers this to be in line with market practice.
REPORTING
AIB commits to report on the allocation and impact of proceeds on an annual basis on its website, until full allocation or maturity. Allocation reporting will include the size of the Eligible Green Loan Portfolio per category, the total amount allocated, the number of eligible green loans and the balance of unallocated proceeds. AIB’s impact report, where feasible, will include portfolio-level indicators per category, with qualitative and quantitative impact metrics. Sustainalytics views AIB’s reporting process as aligned with market practice.